King returns to Spurs

24 March 2009 01:06

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Ledley King will not play in England's games against Slovakia and Ukraine after being allowed to return to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Spurs skipper was a surprise inclusion in Fabio Capello's squad for Saturday's friendly with Slovakia and next week's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley.
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was unhappy with King's call-up, describing the decision as 'mad' and 'pointless' due to the 28-year-old's fitness issues.
King is unable to train due to a long-standing knee problem and is also restricted to playing just one match a week for his club.
The Football Association issued a statement on Monday evening to reassure Spurs that no risks would be taken with King, who sat out training with England on Tuesday.
Best interestsFollowing further consultations, the FA has now confirmed that King has returned to Spurs and will not feature in the upcoming international fixtures.
An FA statement read: "Ledley King has returned to Spurs Lodge to continue his rehabilitation over the course of the international break, following discussions and assessments overnight by the medical staff of both the club and the England national team.
"It has been agreed by both parties that the best interests of the player are served by continuing his individual training programme at the club and he will play no further part in England's preparations or participate in the friendly against Slovakia or the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine."
Meanwhile, Peter Crouch and Shaun Wright-Phillips also sat out training on Tuesday due to calf and back problems respectively.